Farm Safety Week started today with the launch the Farm Safety Plan 2003 - 2007. The plan was launched by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Mr Noel Treacy.
The new plan aims to address high levels of fatalities on the farm - there have been 200 accidental deaths, including 43 children's fatalities, on farms in Ireland over the past decade.
The report also revealed that 32 per cent of all workplace death occur in the agricultural sector, despite the fact that agriculture accounts for less than 10 per cent of the workforce.
Speaking at the launch this afternoon, Mr Treacy said: "I am confident that the successful implementation of this plan will see a significant reduction in farm fatalities and serious injuries."
The Farm Safety Plan sets specific targets for safety including:
- 50% reduction in farm fatalities.
- Zero child fatalities.
- Farm accidents less than 1,600.
- A minimum of 1,000 farm inspections each year.
- Campaigns to promote:
a) engineering solutions for safety issues
b) Greater awareness of safety at all levels in the farming community
